DODECANESE

TRAVEL GUIDES TO BEST DODECANESE ISLANDS

• Rhodes

  The best and most cosmopolitan island of Dodecanese, Rhodes is located in the south eastern side of the Aegean. This island is perfect for all ages and tastes. You will find both organized and secluded beaches, busy waterfronts and small portsides, monasteries and ancient sites. Most of all, you will love the Medieval Old Town. Walk along the paved streets of the Old Town and you will have the sense that time has stopped in the time of the Knights.
  Why Rhodes: Popular destination, family friendly, luxury, culture, history, beautiful architecture, UNESCO Site of Cultural Heritage, high class restaurants, amazing beaches, clear waters, honeymoon destination, nightlife.
  Highlights: Palace of Grand Master (UNESCO Site), Acropolis of Lindos, Valley of Butterflies, Panagia tou Bourgou, Saint Paul beach.
  Tips: Suggested stays: 1 week. Car is strongly recommended. Ideal island hopping to Simi.
  Where is Rhodes: Rhodes belongs to the Dodecanese islands group and is accessible from Athens but also from Kos and other islands.
  How to get there: There are ferries to Rhodes from Athens (Piraeus) 4-5 days per week. Rhodes is also linked with other islands such as Kos, Crete, Patmos, Karpathos and more. Furthermore, Rhodes has an International Airport, so you can also reach the island by plane too. Also note that Rhodes is connected by ferry with Marmaris (Turkey).

• Kos

  Kos is the third biggest Greek islands of the Dodecanese island group and a place that has it all! Sandy beaches, amazing places for sightseeing, palm trees, peacocks(!), vivid nightlife, luxurious hotels, water sports centers and more.
  Why Kos: Popular destination, history, family friendly, beautiful beaches, lush vegetation, windsurfing.
  Highlights: Ancient Asklepieon, Thermes beach, Ancient Gymnacium, Kos Town, Kastri islet.
  Tips: Suggested stay: 1 week. Car is strongly recommended. Ideal island hopping to: Patmos, Rhodes, Kalymnos.
  Where is Kos: Kos belongs to the Dodecanese islands group and is accessible from Athens but also from Rhodes, Crete and few more islands.
  How to get there: There are ferry connections to Kos from Athens (Piraeus), Rhodes and few more islands. Kos has also an International Airport, so you can also reach the island by plane too. Also note that Kos is connected by ferry with Bodrum (Turkey).

• Karpathos

  Karpathos is arguably one of the most beautiful Greek islands of the Dodecanese! Situated on the southern part of the Aegean Sea, between Rhodes and Crete, Karpathos has a rather secluded location. Thanks to its position, Karpathos has yet to be discovered by mass visitors, thus it boasts an unspoiled landscape! The southern side of the island is touristically developed, while the southern side keeps its raw natural charm.
  Why Karpathos: Beautiful scenery, tradition, beautiful beaches, picturesque villages, nice food, unspoiled landscape, natural charm, Windsurfing destination.
  Highlights: Olympos Village, Kyra Panagia Beach, Apella beach, Saria islet, Ancient Potideon.
  Tips: Suggested stays: 5 nights. Car is strongly recommended. Ideal Island hopping to Kassos, Rhodes, Crete.
  Where is Karpathos: Karpathos belongs to the Dodecanese islands group and is accessible from Athens but also from Rhodes, Crete and few more islands.
  How to get there: There are regular ferry connections to Karpathos from Athens (Piraeus), Rhodes and few more islands. Karpathos has also a International Airport, so you can also reach the island by plane too.

• Kalymnos

  An island with long tradition in sponge diving, Kalymnos is beautiful place with barren landscape. Due to this wild rocksides, Kalymnos has developed over the last years as a popular rock climbing destination. In fact, a rock climbing festival takes place there every year. With lovely beach resorts and relaxing vibes, Kalymnos is a nice island for family vacations.
  Why Kalymnos: Calm and relaxing, beautiful scenery, worldwide rock climbing destination, nice beaches.
  Highlights: Pothia town, Myrties beach, Rock climbing, Telendos islet, Sponge factory.
  Tips: Suggested stays: 3 nights. Car is recommended. Ideal island hopping to Kos.
  Where is Kalymnos: Kalymnos belongs to the Dodecanese islands group.
  How to get there: Kaymnos is connected to Athens (Piraeus) by ferry, few times a week. There are also ferry connections from Kos, Rhodes, Leros and Patmos. Kalymnos has also a National Airport, so it can be reached by plane too.

• Patmos

  Famous as the island where Apostle John was inspired the Apocalypse, Patmos is a small island with spiritual vibes. The most characteristic sight of Patmos is the Monastery of Saint John, just above Chora. Do not also miss a visit to the Cave of the Apocalypse. Around the island, there are lovely beaches to enjoy a day under the sun.
  Why Patmos: Calm and relaxing, beautiful scenery, amazing architecture, UNESCO Site of Cultural Heritage, simple and chic vibes, cosmopolitan, culture, hiking, beautiful beaches.
  Highlights: Chora & Saint John Monastery (UNESCO Site), Cave of Apocalypse, Kampos beach, Day trip to Arkoi and Marathis islets.
  Tips: Suggested stays: 3 nights. Car is recommended. Ideal island hopping to Lipsi, Rhodes, Kos.
  Where is Patmos: Patmos belongs to the Dodecanese islands group and is accessible from Athens by ferry.
  How to get there: There are ferries from Athens (Piraeus) to Patmos 3 times a week. Alternatively, you can travel by plane to Kos, Rhodes, or Leros and make a ferry connection to Patmos.

• Astypalea

  Although Astypalea island (or Astypalaia) belongs administratively to the Dodecanese, its architecture looks very Cycladic. The shape of Astypalea ressembles to a butterfly. Due to the small size and the secluded location, tourism is not much developed. The picturesque main village is constructed along the slopes of a hill, with a Venetian castle at its top and offers great view to the sea. With romantic atmosphere and secluded beaches, Astypalea is ideal for peaceful vacations.
  Why Astypalea: Calm and relaxing, beautiful scenery, alternative destination, beautiful beaches, charming village, amazing views.
  Highlights: Chora, Venetian castle, Windmills, Vatses beach, Livadi beach.
  Tips: Suggested stay: 3 nights. Car is recommended. Ideal island hopping to Rhodes, Naxos, Paros.
  Where is Astypalea: Astypalea belongs to the Dodecanese islands group and is accessible from Athens but also from Rhodes, Naxos and few more islands.
  How to get there: There are regular Ferries to Astypalaia from Athens (Piraeus), Naxos, Rhodes and few more islands. Also, Astypalaia has a National Airport, so you can reach the island by plane too.

• Simi

  The tiny island of Simi is regularly visited as a day trip from Rhodes or for a short summer break. The main village is spread amphitheatrically around a port and offers impressive view to the Aegean Sea. In short distance from the village, there are small beaches with clean water. The most important sightseeing of Symi is the Monastery of Panormitis, on the southern side of the island.
  Why Simi: Small remote island, calm and relaxing, beautiful scenery, picturesque, clear blue waters.
  Highlights: Town, Monastery of Panormitis, Pedi.
  Tips: Suggested stay: 1 night. Car is not needed. Ideal Island hopping to: Rhodes, Tilos
  Where is Symi: Symi belongs to the Dodecanese islands group and is located near Rhodes.
  How to get there: Simi is connected to Athens (Piraeus) by ferry, few times a week. The trip from Athens to Simi is very long (20 hours),so many travelers chose to travel to Simi through Rhodes. Rhodes has an International Airport, so you can reach Rhodes either by plane or by ferry and continue your trip to Simi by ferry.

• Leros

  An island great for calm family vacations, Leros is a small island with relaxing atmosphere. Agia Marina and Alinda are the most developed places but with no mass tourism. The Medieval Castle and the underground War Museum are the most impressive sights on the island, while a walk along the portside under the moonlight will leave you with the most romantic impressions from your summer holidays.
  Why Leros: Calm and relaxing, beautiful scenery, nice beaches, away from mass tourism.
  Highlights: Church of Agios Isidoros, Medieval Castle, Flour mill, Traditional windmills.
  Tips: Suggested stays: 2 nights. Car is recommended. Ideal island hopping to Patmos, Kalymnos, Lipsi.
  Where is Leros: Kos belongs to the Dodecanese islands group and is located between Patmos and Kalymnos.
  How to get there: There are ferry connections from Athens (Piraeus) to Leros 4 times a week. Also, Leros is connected by ferry with Rhodes, Kos, Patmos and other islands. Furthermore, Leros has a small National Airport with flights from Athens.

• Nisyros

  Nisyros is a beautiful little island, which belongs to the Dodecanese island chain. Still untouched by mass tourism, Nisyros is one of those peaceful and laid-back islands. It has emerged as a great alternative destination.
  Why Lipsi: Calm and relaxing, amazing scenery, volcano, picturesque villages, hiking.
  Highlights: Mandraki village, Volcano, Nikia village, Lies beach, Paleokastro.
  Tips: Suggested stays: 3 nights. Car is recommended. Ideal island hopping to Kos, Tilos, Rhodes.
  Where is Nisyros: Nisyros belongs to the Dodecanese islands group.
  How to get there: Nisyros is connected to Athens (Piraeus) by ferry twice a week but since the trip is very long, many travellers find it better to travel by plane to the International Airport of Kos and then, take a ferry from Kos to Nisyros.

• Halki

  A tiny island close to Rhodes, Halki distinguishes for its traditional architecture, the lovely waterfront and the secluded beaches. In the centre of the island, there is an abandoned village with a strong castle on the hilltop. This village and many beaches around Halki can be reached on foot. Distances are short and this makes Halki is a great place for hiking.
  Why Halki: Small remote island, calm and relaxing, beautiful scenery, architecture, picturesque, clear blue waters.
  Highlights: Nimporio, Medieval castle, Potamos beach.
  Tips: Suggested stays: 1 night. Car is not needed. Ideal island hopping to Rhodes.
  Where is Halki: Halki belongs to the Dodecanese islands and is located near Rhodes.
  How to get there: Halki is connected to Athens (Piraeus) by ferry, few times a week. The trip from Athens to Halki is very long (20 hours), so many travelers chose to travel to Halki through Rhodes. Rhodes has also an International Airport, so you can reach Rhodes either by plane or by ferry and continue your trip to Halki by ferry.

• Tilos

  Tilos is a small, remote island of Dodecanese, located between Nisyros and Rhodes. Its small villages and secluded beaches attract tourists that are looking for an alternative destination. Tourism is not much developed on the island, except for the necessary facilities. Nightlife is little on Tilos, as there is only one bar that opens in summer in the abandoned village of Mikro Chorio.
  Why Tilos: A small remote island, calm and relaxing, beautiful scenery, quaint, clear blue waters.
  Highlights: Ghost village, Livadia beach, Megalo Chorio, Eristos beach.
  Tips: Suggested stay: 1 night. Car is not needed. Ideal island hopping to Rhodes, Kos, Simi.
  Where is Tilos: Tilos belongs to the Dodecanese islands group and is located near Rhodes.
  How to get there: Tilos is connected to Athens (Piraeus) by ferry, few times a week. The trip from Athens to Tilos is very long (17 hours), so many travelers chose to travel by plane or ferry to Rhodes or Kos and continue the trip to Tilos by ferry. Rhodes and Kos have International Airports.

• Lipsi

  Lipsi is a beautiful island of the Dodecanese island group, located between Patmos and Leros. Thanks to its small size, lack of mass tourism and long distance from Athens, Lipsi is one of those Greek islands that has emerged as a peaceful destination for relaxing holidays away from the hustle and the bustle.
  Why Lipsi: Small remote island, calm and relaxing, beautiful scenery, quaint, clear blue waters, amazing beaches.
  Highlights: Platis Gialos beach, Katsadia beach, boat tour to Surrounding islands (Aspronisi, Marathi, Arkoi), Eat seafood at Dilaila restaurant in Katsadia Beach.
  Tips: Suggested stay: 2 night. Car is optional.
  Where is Lipsi: Lipsi belongs to the Dodecanese islands group.
  How to get there: Lipsi is connected to Athens (Piraeus) by ferry, few times a week. There are also ferry connections to Patmos, Leros, Rhodes, Kos, Kalymnos.